Chapter 3 Passionate Warrior

CHAPTER 3

I did not sign up for Aryan's classes.

It was a painful but necessary decision. His presence destabilized me. Every time we met, sparks would fly. Either of hatred or of something else...

Uh, awkward.

The erection in his pants made the conflict of feelings very clear.

After our public fight, I went to Aryumand for advice. She instructed me to stay away from him. I could enroll in Defense classes in a few years, when there would be another teacher. Eventually, Aryan would have to return to field work.

Argh. That day I would have a party.

The truth was revolting. Our parents were using us to duel with each other. Perpetuating a childish and petty quarrel that had lasted for centuries.

There was nothing good for us in this rivalry. We would only lose out. Meanwhile, Aryan was a captain with a stable profession. Me, a nobody. I had much more to lose than him.

After my little show in the ring, my name became famous.

I became popular in the Pantheon overnight. People stopped me in the hallways and in class.

"How did you do that?"

"Who trains her?"

"How come I never noticed her before?"

I had to tell the truth. Or a half-truth.

"I had been asking my mother for a blessing for many months. It seems she finally decided to answer me. She saw that I was in need."

Dakti was not known for randomly distributing blessings. Direct blessings from the gods were rare, but they did happen.

People seemed to buy my story. It was more believable that a freshman beat an expert.

A week went by.

That night, the Pantheon would hold a ball. A gala event in honor of the Hidden Guard. Everyone was thrilled to have them hosted here.

In the last week, people have arranged their dates.

Surprisingly, I received several invitations. I didn't accept any. They all came out of interest. People who never looked me in the face before wanted to ride the sudden wave of popularity. The fledgling who beat the soul eater.

They were not really interested in me. Why would they be? There were other more interesting beauties at school.

So I arranged to go in a trio with Shantai and Rajan.

It was Saturday night.

Shantai got ready in my room. She wore a purple sari, and I wore a red one. I was the type of girl for fighting, and not for eyeliners. Then Shantai produced me.

At nine, we meet Rajan at the door of the dormitories.

When he saw us, his eyes widened.

- Wow! Who are you and what have you done with my friends?

- Ha, ha. - Shantai put his arm through yours. - We are beautiful like this every day. I don't know what the surprise is.

- If you like to fool yourself...

I crossed my arm over his free arm. I rolled my eyes:

- The way you're picking on each other, you're going to end up getting married.

They spoke at the same time:

"Jeez!"

"May the gods not hear you!"

Among Guardians, marriages were rare. Most decided not to commit to monogamy. We had very long lives and a lot of sexual freedom. Moreover, we all put work before love.

A marriage could shuffle a guardian's priorities. Sometimes a guardian would be assigned to one side of the world - and the spouse to another. And nothing could be done.

Orders from above.

This is why many guardians avoided serious commitments. We were already married to our missions.

We walked towards the party hall.

- I am serious, people. - I insisted. - I have no doubt that Rajan will start courting you, Shantai.

- He wouldn't have the audacity. - Shantai laughed.

- It must be because I am not desperate...

The two of them were always fighting and teasing each other. I loved to irritate them.

- Be careful, hein. All this hatred can hide a repressed love.

- No, thank you. - Shantai shuddered. - In fact, if that were a rule, you and Captain Aryan would be lovers.

I looked forward, face livid.

- Let's change the subject.

We were almost at the big hall. The other students came in first, wearing gala clothes. Party saris and Hindu suits.

Rajan noticed my expression.

- What is it, Kali? Don't tell me the captain is your new "Kamala."

- Don't talk nonsense.

- Why not? Every time we talk about him you get weird.

- It's survival instinct, asshole. After what happened in the ring, he might want to take revenge. Of course I'm afraid. Nobody deserves an enemy like him.

It was a half-truth.

Yes, I was afraid of the captain's revenge - but I also didn't want to tell my friends the embarrassing truth. My erotic and secret desires with him.

- Fair enough," Shantai agreed. - He can end his academic life in the Pantheon.

- Don't travel, girls. He is a teacher and a trained professional. He is above such university intrigues.

I shrugged.

- So be it. But I'm not going to pay to see it.

We arrived at the ballroom. The party was raging. There was good music, champagne, and snacks. All the students and teachers were there.

There was a rise at one end of the hall. On it, several chairs. Places of honor. The Hidden Guards sat there, watching the hall silently.

I watched them, intrigued.

Hidden Guards were strange creatures. Both men and women had fierce, distant, icy stares - as if they were filled with hatred inside.

Well... A life fighting the worst demons created scars.

They were very respected, yes, but I wasn't sure they were happy. They hardly talked to each other.

The teachers orbited around them, but they could not establish any bond. They were closed and suspicious creatures. Maybe they didn't even know how to smile.

I noticed that Aryan had not arrived. Just as well. I hoped he wouldn't show up.

We quickly met a group of Daktis and stopped to chat. Since our teachers were present, it would not be a typical student party. No one would get high, vomit in the middle of the hall, or have sex with strangers.

What a shame.

The music was lively. Waiters passed by serving glasses of champagne and snacks. Everyone gathered in affinity groups.

Some veterans talked to professors - in an attempt to create alliances. The appointment of professors was very important to the trainees. When they came down to Earth, they could protect larger cities, important humans, and fight in deadlier areas. This is why mentorships were common.

Shikram's sons stood on the other side of the hall.

It was better this way. Nobody wanted to make a scene in front of the guests of honor. And if we got too close, it would be inevitable.

Old rivalry plus alcohol? Bad combination.

About twenty minutes later, the door opened violently.

Aryan entered alone.

Of course he did. He didn't consider any of us worthy of being his date.

The captain wore black clothes and a grumpy expression. As always. He advanced through the hall with his hands behind his back and his chin up. Unconsciously, everyone made way.

He walked to the elevation, greeted his fellow Guard members dryly, and sat down in his seat.

Shantai watched him from afar:

- The captain-ranzinza arrived. - He put one arm through mine, supporting himself. - If he wasn't so handsome, it would be easy to hate him, don't you think?

- If you say so. - I mumbled.

Many students found the captain super attractive. Others found his scarring frightening. I, on the other hand, refused to think about it.

No, I am not attracted to a son of Shikram. I refuse to accept it.

But every now and then my gaze slipped to him, uncontrollably.

I noticed how he behaved. All the while, Aryan refused the champagne and food. He didn't speak much. He only exchanged quick, cold words with the teachers who approached him.

He didn't eat in public and he didn't drink alcohol. The epitome of self-control. He held all the qualities desired for a guardian. The respect of all, impeccable fighting techniques, and a controlling, cool personality.

When fighting demons, you couldn't be too sentimental. And the captain was a rock of ice.

Shantai, Rajan and I were talking in a group. Besides us, there were three other Daktis from our class.

They were talking about the most coveted topic of the moment: Aryan's classes. Two of them had gotten spots. The other was on the waiting list.

- He is the devil incarnate," one of them said. - His classes are much harder than I expected.

Another one corroborated:

- I agree. I was sore for the rest of the week.

- If we can get out of his matter alive, we will be able to face any demon.

Rajan laughed.

- I was considering applying next semester. Now I am rethinking.

- No, sign up. It is hard, but we are learning a lot. Take advantage of these months to train. It's good to have a little foundation before you face the devourer of souls.

Rajan drank from his cup.

- That nickname is really a delicacy.

Her colleague snorted.

- Devourer that is. He sucks your soul at every lesson.

Shantai commented:

- I am going to try for a position next semester. I need to prepare myself emotionally.

At that moment, someone nudged my shoulder. I looked back and almost choked.

Kamala.

She was sporting her typical smug little smile. She wore an orange sari and lots of jewelry.

Rajan and Shantai looked at each other. What was my evil ex up to?

- Kali, hey, it's been a while.

I raised an eyebrow and stared at her coldly.

- Well, well, well. If it isn't the three-headed dog himself... If you're here, who's guarding the gates of hell?

My friends held back their laughter.

Kamala narrowed her eyes.

- How hilarious you are. Sometimes I even miss your humor.

I was in no mood for Kamala's antics tonight. There were already too many stressful events in my life.

- Really? Interesting time to miss me. Especially you, who have been ignoring me for three years...

Now that I am suddenly popular? Convenient.

- I didn't ignore you, you ignored me. We just didn't work out as girlfriends.

I sipped my champagne, skeptical.

- Why are you unable to keep your tongue out of other people's mouths?

She clicked her tongue. Nothing embarrassed or shook her.

- More or less. For me we would be friends with benefits.

- And for all I care, you would fly away on the same broomstick on which you arrived.

She raised an eyebrow.

- The more you reject me, the more you challenge me.

I snorted.

- What's the matter with you, Kamala? Are you bored?

There was nothing more between us. Not a drop of romance or unresolved feelings. It had been three years since our relationship had ended. There was only bitterness left.

- Why? Do I have to be bored to talk to you?

- I see no other reason for you to torment me again.

He sighed.

- You know what? We got off on the wrong foot. Shall we dance?

- Uh... No.

She held out a hand.

- Why not? If you don't like me, you won't feel anything.

- I pass.

- Why? Do you have unresolved feelings?

I gritted my teeth.

- You know what? - I handed my cup to Rajan. - Let's go. - I held his hand. - One dance and you will leave me alone, understand?

- Done. - Cynical little smile.

I followed the viper onto the dance floor.

I tried not to speak or show any emotions. She was like a wild animal. If she smelled fear, she would attack.

The dance floor was at the far end of the hall - right in front of the Guardians' chairs.

A song was starting. We stopped in the middle of the dance floor. Kamala held out a hand and we danced, glued together. She put her hands on my waist and I put my arms around her shoulders.

I accepted your invitation just to prove a point. I outdid you, you cow.

And it was true. A year ago, I would never have been able to dance with her. But the wound had healed.

As we danced, I let my gaze run around the room.

I observed the Hidden Ones. Many had gotten up, going off to talk in closed groups. Others remained in their chairs - quiet and observant.

Aryan was one of them. While his soldiers talked among themselves, he remained seated, unwaveringly alone. He watched the hall with eagle eyes. Cold and calculating.

Suddenly, our gazes met.

Ah, damn.

I quickly turned my face away. I didn't want to arouse his anger. Mouthing off to a professor at a gala ball would be bad for my academic record.

I was determined to avoid it.

Kamala and I danced slowly. In the middle of the music, she asked.

- Do you know the captain intimately?

I stared at her, tense.

- What? Obviously not.

- But you have already fought.

- Are you talking about that fight in the ring? We were kind of busy killing each other. We didn't have time to chat.

- Um... - she looked from me to him, suspicious. - But he seems intrigued. You must have made a strong impression. He can't take his eyes off you...

I froze. Aryan was still staring at me?

I didn't have the courage to check it out.

- He is just analyzing the enemy. It's a natural curiosity. He has probably never lost a fight in his life.

- That's right, speaking of which. How did you do that?

I rolled my eyes.

- Forget it, Kamala. You won't get any information from me. It's been years since I fell for your manipulations.

She pulled me around the waist.

- You know, this new indifferent personality of yours makes you very sexy.

Argh. Manipulative cow.

- Don't you have a new girlfriend, girl?

- I do. But I would kick her in the ass right now if I could keep you.

- Thanks for the offer, but I'll pass.

- Why? You're obviously not over me yet. You haven't dated anyone since me.

- I have been busy training and studying.

- And didn't you find a window of time to kiss on the mouth? Or have a little one? Please. Everyone in this school studies and trains. If you want to, you find the time. You're becoming a celibate just like the captain. - His hand came down, feeling my ass. - But I can solve your problem...

I took his hand and moved it up to my back.

- Don't make me regret dancing with you.

She let out her typical cheeky little smile.

- I will win your heart back yet, Kalizinha.

- Your ego is really impressive.

She put a lock of my hair behind my ear.

- He says he doesn't want to kiss me, and I stop.

Suddenly, a venomous voice spoke up:

- May I interrupt?

We look away and...

I almost choked.

Aryan was standing two steps away from us. Murderous expression and hands behind his back.

She let me go immediately.

- Captain? - shocked voice. - Is there a problem?

He kept his irises fixed on me. He hardly seemed to see Kamala.

- None, student. I have come because I would like to have a dance with Miss Kali.

What?

- A-ah," Kamala stammered. - It's okay. - She turned to me, voice strangled. - See you later," and practically ran off.

My heart was beating in my throat.

He stopped in front of me. He held out a hand, expression defiant.

With no alternative, I accepted.

What else would I do? It was a public place, everyone was looking at us. I didn't want to cause a scene.

He pulled me around his waist, and our bodies became entwined. I could feel his breath on my face. He was a head taller than I was. His free hand entwined with mine. His skin was warm, and his smell, intoxicating.

We started to dance slowly.

He noticed my nervousness. He murmured:

- I can hear your heart racing. Are you afraid of me?

If I looked up, I would have to face his dark, penetrating gaze. I kept my gaze on his chest and spoke in broken tones.

- If you try anything here, there will be consequences. My teachers will protect me.

I felt him smile, treacherous.

- Don't worry, fledgling. Assassinating an enemy is an intimate thing. When I'm going to kill you, it won't be in a crowded hall.

I was livid.

There was the confirmation. He wanted to kill me.

- You look pale.

I held back a grunt.

- It is a common reaction when you receive a death threat.

He laughed softly. It was a surprisingly velvety sound. Magnetic and delicious.

- I'm not going to kill you. It was a joke.

Wait, what?

- If you don't want to kill me, what do you want with me?

He stared at me deeply - as if he was experiencing a conflict of feelings.

- I'm still trying to figure it out.

I turned my face away, perplexed.

Part of me wanted to run away. How long would it take for that crappy music to end? But another part wanted to stay. When would I have the chance to touch him again? To smell him so closely?

Damn delicious Shikram aroma.

He cut the silence, abruptly:

- Was that girl your girlfriend?

- How is it?

- Do you fuck?

I almost stuttered.

- It is not appropriate for a teacher to ask about a student's love life.

He arched an eyebrow.

- Just answer me. I need to know.

- Ex-girlfriend.

For some reason, he seemed disappointed.

- So you like women?

- Yes, but I also like men.

This seemed to rekindle some flame in the depths of his eyes. Could it be... hope?

No. I was seeing too much.

I looked around. People were already starting to stare at us.

It was not uncommon for teachers to dance with students. They had all lived together for many decades. Some were even friends.

It was just not common for the Aryan-devourer to dance with someone.

Our history was controversial. People were afraid that he would snap and attack me in the middle of the hall. After all, the captain was an unpredictable creature, and nobody really knew him.

The director watched us from a distance, cautiously. Clearly he feared that we would fight.

A Shikram and Dakti dancing?

Tsc. We would either end up in jail, or in bed.

The music got livelier. He twirled me around, surprisingly adept at dancing. Then he pulled me around his waist, possessive. I collided against his muscular chest.

- So you are single at the moment?

- Uh... Yes.

- And do you think about having someone?

What the hell was that all about?

- No. I want to focus on my training. Dating would only hinder me.

He stared at me for a long time. His expression dark and inscrutable.

- What if the right man came along? Would you give him a chance?

- I don't know, professor. If it's love, yes. - I frowned, rethinking. - Although I haven't believed in such romantic nonsense for a long time.

- I didn't believe it either.

- Did something change your mind?

- Not something. Someone. - He pulled me closer. - And this is very disturbing.

I cleared my throat.

- Why would it be?

- Because it might fuck up my life.

The music ended suddenly. Aryan let go of me.

- Thank you for the dance, daughter of Dakti.

- You are welcome, professor.

He put his hands in his pockets, expression grim.

- If I could give you one piece of advice, it would be to stay away from me. No matter how hard I try to get closer, don't give in. It will ruin both of us.

- "That," what?

- Soon you will find out. - And he turned around, disappearing into the track.

He did not return to his seat. He simply left the hall, leaving the party.

I just stood there on the track, watching him go.

Someone cleared his throat behind me. I turned around and was surprised.

- Director?

- Miss Kali, good evening.

- Can I help you?

I only spoke to the director personally when I arrived at the Pantheon, seven years ago. After that, never again. It was bizarre.

He came closer, speaking softly.

- I need to give you a message.

- Uh, sure.

- We have fought hard to have Captain Aryan on our faculty. He is an unprecedented asset to the Pantheon. It is not in the interest of this school nor of the gods for him to be on the wrong side of this war.

- On the side of the demons, you mean...

- Yes. It's hard to admit it, but the captain has a fickle personality. So here's my personal request... Stay away from him. Don't irritate him. I know you have a natural rivalry, but avoid him for your own good. We don't know what he is capable of, and we don't want there to be any catastrophic incident. Can you understand me?

I was indignant. He was the crazy one, but I was the one getting the spanking?

- Warden, with all due respect... Since he came here, Aryan Razam has been threatening and harassing me. I never provoked him. He is the one who needs to be stopped, not me.

- We know that. This school will protect your physical integrity. If you feel threatened by him, you can come to us. But please don't take the matter public. It would create chaos with unpleasant consequences," he raised an eyebrow significantly, "for everyone involved.

I closed my wrists, coming to my senses.

Between the lines, the director wanted to say: Aryan is a very important figure for us. You are just another student. You can be replaced. He is not.

- I get the message. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go find my friends.

- Of course.

- Goodbye. - I turned around and walked off the track.

I went back to my friends. Shantai and Rajan showered me with questions. I didn't answer any of them.

I drank the whole night. Only alcohol would help me forget the chaotic state of my life.

A suddenly interested ex. A veiled threat from the director. An enemy telling me to "watch out" for what was coming next.

I stuffed my face and got drunk. At dawn, Rajan and Shantai threw me out of the party. They thought it was time to put me to bed.

Shantai led me to the door of the dormitory. I slept in the south wing, she slept in the west wing. I couldn't go into my section.

- Will you be able to find your room?

- Of course. - I solved it. I stank of alcohol.

She rolled her eyes.

- Okay, drunkard. The key is in your purse. See you tomorrow.

She was gone. I took off my high heels and braided my legs down the hall.

There were a few couples leaning against the walls, making out.

I turned to a couple who were kissing furiously.

- Hey, Nyati! Your boyfriend can't come in here!

Nyati was a nasty classmate. She used to drag her "boyfriends" into the dormitory, even though she knew it was forbidden.

She stopped kissing the boy and growled.

- Mind your own business, Dakti.

I was too drunk to fight back.

I managed to reach my bedroom door. I took the key from my purse and tried to put it in the lock. I blinked several times, trying to see.

Bloody alcohol haze...

That's when I saw her.

A red rose was placed on the floor, right outside my bedroom door.

I crouched down and picked it up in horror - as if it were something radioactive.

- What the fuck is this?

Was it a joke?

I looked around. No one was paying attention to me.

I walked into my room and quickly closed the door. I threw the rose on the bed, taking two steps back.

Red roses had a very serious significance in the Pantheon.

Roses were not born in our city; one had to go to the human world to pick them. They signified the beginning of a courtship. When a man gave a woman a red rose, it meant that he was interested in serious commitment.

It was beyond a flirtation. Only the most traditional men followed this ritual.

The man kept handing red roses to the desired woman until she sent some sign of accepting him.

In my seven years here, I have only seen a Cortege happen once. And it was years ago.

The few married demigods had gone through the courtship ritual. Only in this way did a man show serious intentions toward a woman. It was a very serious act. Young people no longer followed this tradition. Nobody wanted to get married anymore.

Who the hell would play a joke like that on me? I didn't have any suitors, and I wasn't flirting with anyone.

Unless...

Kamala?

No, Kamala was not the marrying kind. She was a jerk, but she wasn't dumb. She wouldn't joke about such a serious custom.

Either someone was playing a very bad joke on me, or I was being courted by a mysterious suitor.

That rose signified a real interest, and conveyed a message.

I am coming into your life. And when the time is right, I will reveal myself.